India provisionally suspends seven after in-competition AAFs

Seven athletes have been provisionally suspended after reporting adverse analytical findings (AAF) during competition, the National Doping Agency of India (NADA India) announced in its March newsletter (PDF below). The seven included two weightlifting minors, and two U21 freestyle wrestlers, who were suspended at the Khelo India Youth Games – formerly the Indian School Games, which took place in February.

Seven athletes were also sanctioned by NADA India during February, including two weightlifters. Under Article 12.3.1 of the International Weightlifting Federation’s (IWF)Anti-Doping Policy, the IWF can ban member federations from international competition for up to two years, if it issues three or more ADRVs to athletes from that country during a year. The rule was introduced after the Seoul 1988 Olympics, in response to the number of ADRVs being reported by the sport.

However, as the four weightlifters have been sanctioned under Indian jurisdiction, they are likely to escape any ban. Article 12.3.1 allows the IWF to take further action if ‘Three or more violations of these Anti-Doping rules […] are committed by Athletes or other Persons affiliated to a Member Federation within a Calendar year in Testing conducted by IWF or Anti-Doping Organisations other than the Member Federation of its National Anti-Doping Organization’.